Lesson 3

Writing Essays
OBJECTIVES

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to:

1. identify the different types of essay; and

2. write essays observing the steps in writing.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Essay writing is one of the best ways of expressing our opinions if we could not
speak them out. Through writing, our inner most thoughts will come out. Effective essays
convey messages or information to the readers leaving them lessons and ideas that mirror life.
Writing essays could both be beneficial to writers and readers. Through this, writers can
express their ideas, feelings and emotions. They will be able to unload their thoughts and at
the same time enhances their writing skills. Likewise, readers are the absorbers of these
thoughts and ideas. Reading essays awakens the reader’s sleeping minds and relives their
spirit of humanity. To be effective in essay writing, one must learn and apply the theories on
crafting good essays.

In this lesson, you will be exposed to the different parts and types of an essay. Practical
steps and tips in writing essays will also be introduced. So learn all about these to enhance
your essay writing skills.

What is an Essay?

An essay is a short piece of writing that focuses on the writer’s point of the argument to
particular audience for a specific person. It is a non-fiction literary piece which was derived
from a French word, “essai” or “essayer” which means trail (www.literarydevices.net ). An
essay is a well-crafted composition with proper structured sentences and paragraphs. This
piece of writing is said to be personalized because the writer has to unveil his/her own point
of view, experiences, feelings and thoughts about a certain topic.

Parts of an Essay

Effective essay writing demands following the formats or the major parts. The title,
introduction, body and conclusion are the four major parts of an essay as discussed by Forlini,
G. et.al.( 2005).
1. Title
It is the first part of the essay that functions as a preview of the thesis statement and
an advertisement from the essay. This part should provide clues to the topic and the
focus of the writer in the essay. The title should be brief and direct to the point but not
misleading. Readers gain interest in reading the essay when the title is inviting.

2. The Introduction
This is a major part of an essay which provides background information of the topic
in the essay. The purposes of the introduction are to discuss why the issue is of concern or
interest. It is in the introduction where the main point of the essay is established.
The introduction begins with a general idea and supported with specific ones. This part
presents the writer’s point of view. It usually ends with a thesis statement which puts into
capsule the main idea of the essay.

3. The Body
The body paragraphs are in the middle of the essay. This part discusses the
relationship of ideas to the thesis statement by giving reliable and enough examples, facts,
statistical data and details. Viewpoints must also adequately supported by reasons,
phenomena or personal experiences.

4. The Conclusion
This is a final paragraph that gives the gist of the essay. It is a part where the writer takes
into persuading the readers by giving points or views with importance. The conclusion
restates the main point which is supported with significant evidence that encourages the
readers to respond positively.

Four Types of Essays

All essays are written for some reasons but all have the same purposes and these are to
present and discuss a certain topic or an idea. Each type of essay presents a valid point of
view and in as much as possible, it persuades the reader. Essays have four main types which
are the following: narrative, descriptive, expository and argumentative or persuasive
(www.imples.yourdictionary.com & www.time4writing.com)

1. Narrative Essay
A narrative essay tells a story from a viewpoint. It makes use of narration which has
the elements – setting, characters, plot, point of view and theme. The plot usually uses the
chronological order but sometimes uses the flash-forwards and flashbacks. The purpose of the
essay is not just to narrate but to explain the importance of the experience in the story.

How to write a narrative essay

A. Connect your readers into your story by including sensory and emotional details.
B. Tell the story and allow the readers to absorb the emphasized theme of the essay.
 C. Present your point and support with a reference.
D. Write using the this person.

Example of Narrative Essay

Text retrieved from: https://www.examples.yourdictionary.com

How I Learned Swimming

Learning something new can be a scary experience. One of the hardest things
I’ve ever had to do was learn how to swim. I was always afraid of the water, but I
decided that swimming was an important skill that I should learn. I also thought it
would be good exercise and help me to become physically strongest. What I didn’t
realize was that learning to swim would also make me a more confident person.
New situations always make me a bit nervous, and my first swimming lesson
was no exception. After I changed into my bathing suit in the locker room, I stood
timidly by the side of the pool waiting for the teacher and other students to show up.
After a couple of minutes, the teacher came over. She smiled and introduced herself,
and two more students joined us. Although they were both older than me, they didn’t
seem to be embarrassed about not knowing how to swim. I began to feel more at ease.
We got into the pool, and the teacher had us put on brightly colored water
wings to help us stay afloat. One of the other students, May, had already taken the
beginning off by herself. The other student, Jerry, and I were told to hold on to the
side of the pool and shown how to kick for the breast stroke. One by one, the teacher
had us hold on to a kickboard while she pulled it through the water and we kicked.
Pretty soon Jerry was off doing this by himself, travelling at a fast clip across the
short end of the pool.
Things were not quite that easy for me, but the teacher was very patient.
After a few more weeks, when I seemed to have caught on with my legs, she taught
me the arm strokes. Now I had two things to concentrate on, my arms and my legs. I
felt hopelessly uncoordinated on my arms however, things began to feel “right” and I
was able to swim! It was a wonderful free feeling – like flying, maybe – to be able to
shoot across the water.
Learning to swim was not easy for me, but in the end, my persistence paid off.
Not only did I learn how to swim and to conquer my fear of the water, but I also
learned something about learning. Now when I am faced with a new situation, I am
not so nervous. I may feel uncomfortable to begin with, but I feel more and more
comfortable. It is a wonderful free feeling when you achieve a goal you have set for
yourself.

2. Descriptive Essay
It is a way to communicate an experience, to illustrate something and to describe an
event. It allows the author to speak about an experience, traits and characteristics of people,
feelings, emotions and objects. The writer gives a thorough description of all the images that
appeal to the senses through words to convey deeper meaning to the readers. It is just like
painting a picture through writing.

How to write a descriptive essay

A. Touch the readers’ feelings and emotions.
B. Indicate vivid details to let your readers get into it.
C. Use words imaginatively.

Example of a Descriptive Essay

Text retrieved from: https://www.sampleessay.net

The Library

Today, Wednesday 27th of April is a cold overcast day. We are in front of the
library, in the main entrance. The first thing that we can see is the huge stair that is
connecting different floors of the library. The ceiling is woodish with square window
on the right side and also 10 grayish lamps hanging around it.
It is not a busy day here. It could be because it is early and most of the
students are in their classes. As you enter to this place you can feel how warm and
also see how bright it is. It makes us feel comfortable. It is quiet most of the time but
an annoying sound interrupts the silence. This sound was made by a broken machine.
A drab kind man who is in front of a computer is reading a book. He is the
receptionist.
We noticed a group of students talking and smoking outside the library. Two
of them come inside. For the first time we can hear the sounds of the street. Cars,
buses and the wind whispering the winter is here. The boys seem as freshmen because
they are asking really loud the receptionist what they need to do in order to use the
computers. They go to the big lockers that are in the corner and put all their things
there. They go to the second floor. We can’t see them anymore. While we are
watching them, a girl comes inside the library. She is a short, skinny girl. She looks
like a gothic because of the way she is dressed. She is wearing a short, black dress,
black leggings and red sweater and black boots. She has a nervous anxious attitude.

3. Expository Essay
This essay is an exposition of an idea and an evaluation of evidences of a problem
presented. The writer usually sets an argument main and explains some integral concepts to
the reader. This is the type of essay that only presents facts to inform, to describe and to
explain.
How to write an expository essay?
A. Write concise and simple sentences.
B. Present views about a subject.
C. Give a situational report.
D. Explain ideas clearly.
E. Use the third person pronouns in writing.
 Example of Expository Essay
Text retrieved from: https://examples.yourdictionary.com

Adolescence

Adolescence is often considered as one of the most challenging, most

turbulent and most difficult phase of life for both children and their parents. During
the transition from childhood to adulthood, teenagers often seek the possibility of
being able to identify them as they start to search for their place in this world. They
also learn to interact with the other members of the society, define their priorities, and
adapt to social norms.
Some teenagers, unfortunately, do not go through this phase quite smoothly.
Some even experiment with illegal substances, leading to further damage. Among the
biggest problems is when teenagers start being a part of so-called teenage gangs.
According to experts, this might be linked to a desire to have respect and authority in
the society of teenage hierarchy. Gangs typically attract adolescents who are
interested in belonging to a certain community that offers anonymity and security,
while being susceptible to peer pressure.
According to studies, the percentage of criminals among teenagers is quite
high. This only means that this problem among teenagers being associated in gangs is
definitely worth every attention. What is even more disturbing is even after quitting
a gang, there is still a tendency to be involved in various illegal activities during
adulthood. This can depict that even though a teenager may not commit a crime, for
now, he may end up doing it later.
For parents who are concerned about the possibility of children joining gangs,
there are certain criteria about the behavior of their children, as well as their
appearance, that they have to pay attention to. Parents need to be extremely careful
especially when it comes to identifying potential factors that give hints to this
tendency. Typically, if a child starts having problems at school, hides activities from
you, has unknown friends, wears particular symbols or colors all the time, you may
have to check now.

4. Argumentative/Persuasive Essay
The argumentative essay presents the both sides of an issue. It convinces the reader to
go with the presented earlier argument and at the same time to refute with the other arguments.
The writer presents the arguments and supports them by demonstrating the validity or falsity
of a topic like giving evidences and opinions. The main purpose of the essay is to convince
the reader to believe with the presented arguments.
How to write an argumentative essay
A. Present your argument.
B. Gather supporting data for your argument.
C. Be firm with your stand.
D. Make a strong argument by supporting your position.
 E. Don’t introduce new idea at the end.

Example of Argumentative Essay

Text retrieved from: https://examples.yourdictionary.co,

Young Drivers

Malaysian drivers, especially the young drivers, have been stigmatized as

reckless and lacking in road courtesy. Recent surveys have supported this image.
The many road safety campaigns aimed at injecting discipline in road users
have met with failure and frustration. Even the heavy fines and penalties do not seem
to have had the desired effects. Statistics show that most road accidents are caused by
young drivers who are responsible for various misdemeanors such as indiscriminate
overtaking, not giving appropriate signals, drink driving, speeding and failure to
adhere to the traffic rules.
Young drivers tend to gravitate towards speeding and racing. It is alarming to
note that our roads and highways are constantly being turned into race tracks where
drivers display their daredevil stunts. Whatever reasons these young may have for
speeding, it shows selfishness and responsibility. They have no consideration for
other road users or for traffic regulations. Since most young drivers seem callous in
their attitude, it is imperative that the legal age for driving be increased.
Young drivers also seem to throw caution to the winds once they are at the
wheels. They are always in a mud rush to reach their destinations and do not pay heed
to traffic regulations and road conditions. This leads to accidents. It is only when they
are older that they become mature and can make the right decisions. If this is the case,
what other reason do we need to increase the legal age for driving?
Accusations and criticism have been hurled at young drivers for various
traffic offences. It is not right that the image of Malaysian drivers be tarnished but
just because of a few young drivers and that is why I am of the opinion that the legal
age for driving be increased.

Writing an Essay

Writing an essay involves different skills like thinking, shaping, developing and
organizing your ideas and making a series of decisions (Forlini, G. et.al, 2005). In here, you
will learn to make decisions in the pre-writing (planning your essay), writing (creating a first
draft), and revising (polishing your essay) which are the steps of preparing an essay.

1. PREWRITING

 Planning your essay

Generate ideas and choose a general topic. Brainstorming can help in
generating ideas and making list of topics. Divide the general topic into specific ones.
 Write a thesis statement by examining first your essay topic and your views about it.
Before writing your main idea in the thesis statement, think of the audience and the
purpose of your essay.
After writing the thesis statement, brainstorm for supporting information or data that
will become the body of your essay. Have a list of the facts, details, examples, evidences
and incidents that could support your thesis statement. From the long list of supporting
information, choose the strongest and the most relevant details to your thesis statement.
Organize your essay by choosing appropriate subtopics, put them in logical order
and make an outline of your essay. Arrange the information by grouping your support to
the subtopics. Decide which logical order (chronological, in order according to
importance, comparison and contrast, development order or spatial order) that best
develops your essay.

WRITING

 Creating a First Draft

Connect the ideas, facts, details and information in your outline. It is best to
use transitions within paragraphs to indicate a new subtopic or further
development of the preceding subtopic. Widen your vocabulary. Observe correct
sentence structures, consistent pronouns, parallel structures within sentences.
Write concluding sentences at the end of every subtopic

REVISING
 Polishing your Essay
Revise to correct, to improve and to polish your essay. For a sense of
correctness, use a checklist to evaluate your essay. Do the final changes, corrections
in structure, content, grammar, mechanics, spelling, capitalization and organization.
Rewrite your essay and proofread your final copy.